Seven soldiers wounded in the clash that killed two alleged leaders and 10 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) in Maguindanao del Sur were given Wounded Personnel Medals.

Major General Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force Central, pinned the medals on the seven soldiers at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The soldiers were identified as 2nd Lt. Knigle Bastian, Sgt Oliver Lanestosa, PFC Gerald Alawin, PFC Michael Composo, Pvt Jay-R Alocada, all members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion; PFC Jereco Watil of the 92nd Infantry Battalion; and SSg Rold Romualdo of the 99th Infantry Battalion.

They were wounded in the firefight against 15 members of the BIFF-KF in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on April 22, 2024, which resulted in the death of the BIFF-KF's chairman Moniden Animbang and his brother Saga, the group’s operation chief. The 10 other BIFF-KF members killed have yet to be identified, as of this writing.

Rillera also handed over cash assistance, grocery items, and a basket of fruits to the soldiers.

According to the Western Mindanao Command, the military continues to scour the area in the hope of neutralizing the remaining members of the group.

“We will not stop until we neutralize all the terrorists who refuse to end their useless battle peacefully. Our soldiers are out there hunting for them,” Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, said.

“We ask for prayers from all peace-loving people of the country for the successful recovery of our wounded soldiers. Despite the expertise of our doctors, your prayers will be the most powerful tool for them to stay alive and be well again,” Gonzales added.